The Italian Memorandum

“Prepare to meet your God, O Israel!”

(Amos 4:12)

Now the bright morning star, Day’s harbinger,
Comes dancing from the east, and leads with her
The flowery May, who from her green lap throws
The yellow cowslip and the pale primrose.
Hail bounteous May that dost inspire
Mirth and youth and warm desire,
Woods and groves are of thy dressing
Hill and dale doth boast thy blessing.
Thus we salute thee with our early song,
And welcome thee, and wish thee long.

(John Milton, On May Morning, 1629-30?)

Milton expressed of the month of May, “And [we] welcome thee and wish thee long.” Have you ever felt that way about something that you wished would never end?

But, isn’t it true that blessings can sometimes turn into complacency about the Lord and His church (see Amos 3:1,2)? “Woe to those who are at ease in Zion” (Amos 6:1). So, Amos 4:12, “Prepare to meet your God,” is ultimately about the inevitable (see Eccl. 12:5,7,14). Yes, we will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10).

So, on this May morning, “Seek the Lord and live” (Amos 5:6)!

-Robert M. Housby